Writing an argument about Dr. Roylott from ‘The Speckled Band’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan a convincing argument.
Key learning points
- Some Victorian readers had prejudiced views about people who were from and spent time in British colonies
- Dr. Roylott is presented as an aggressive and brutal man
- Dr. Roylott has a strong motive for killing Julia Stoner: he would lose money if she survived and married
- Holmes believes Dr. Roylott is behind the murder
- You can construct a convincing argument using emotive language and range of rhetorical devices
Keywords
Primitive - Refers to the early stage of human development, not yet using reasoning but rather emotion to control behaviour.
Native - If you are a native to a country, you were born there.
Prejudiced - Prejudice is a preconceived opinion on someone or something not based on reason or experience.
Avarice - Avarice is an extreme want to keep money.
Common misconception
That a modern reader and Victorian reader perceive the text and characters in the same way.
Use Victorian context to explain the difference between our attitudes.
Teacher tip
Students could analyse Dr. Roylott's presentation in this part of the text to add a richer understanding and bring context in.
Equipment
You will need a copy of 'The Speckled Band' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Speckled Band', what does Julia hear when she dies?
Q2.In the stories of Sherlock Holmes, what does Holmes always use to solve his cases?
Q3.What is a motive?
Q4.What do Holmes and Watson agree on about the death of Julia in 'The Speckled Band'?
Q5.What is a piece of evidence cited by Holmes in 'The Speckled Band'?
Q6.In 'The Speckled Band', why does Roylott have ‘interest in preventing in his stepdaughter’s marriage’?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What prejudiced views did some Victorian readers have?
Q2.Think about 'The Speckled Band', which quote shows Roylott is presented as aggressive?
Q3.What did Roylott do in the past that seems to affirm his violent nature in 'The Speckled Band'?
Q4.In 'The Speckled Band', which document did Holmes obtain during his investigation to help confirm Roylott’s motive?
Q5.What is Roylott’s motive for the murder of Julia Stoner in 'The Speckled Band'?
Q6.Which argument below contains the most emotive statement?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Writing an argument about Dr. Roylott from ‘The Speckled Band’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Writing an argument about Dr. Roylott from ‘The Speckled Band’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Sherlock Holmes: short stories unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.